Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is an important step as your toddler grows.

When your toddler repeatedly wakes you up at 5:30 a.m. because he's managed to climb out of his crib, it might be time to make that switch to a toddler bed. While there are no official signs of readiness, you should move him from a crib to a "big boy bed" once he can -- unfortunately for you -- climb out of his crib, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Child Care America program. Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a process that takes time, allowing your toddler to adjust to this big change in his short life.

Steps

1

Allow your child to help pick out the bed. He's likely to be more excited about transitioning from his crib to a "big boy bed" if he gets to pick one out with his favorite cartoon character, construction vehicles or airplanes. You shouldn't have to purchase a new mattress because a crib mattress typically fits into a toddler bed. Some also have rails on the sides to ensure that your little one doesn't come tumbling out in the middle of the night.

2

Make your toddler's bed using the same sheets and blankets that he used in his crib. Place the bed in the same location where the crib had been. This gives him a sense of familiarity and could make the transition just a little a bit easier. It also doesn't hurt to have him take his favorite stuffed bear or blankie into the bed with him, since it can be scary at first for some children to sleep in a bed.

3

Get your toddler excited for the transition by explaining that he is a big boy now and has outgrown his crib. Some parents also choose to throw a "big boy bed" party to make it a special event. While it may seem like quite a bit of effort, it's a special event in his life and a little party might make him feel like he's accomplished something.

4

Keep a baby monitor in his room so that you can hear if he gets upset or scared during the night. If he starts crying or calling for Mommy, don't hesitate to get up and snuggle with him. Give him another good night kiss, rub his back or read him a story to settle him down.

5

Go back to the crib if he resists the transition too much. Don't feel that you absolutely have to use a bed just because he has reached a certain age. Let him dictate when he sleeps in a big open space instead of the little confined one he has gotten used to. Rest assured that he won't be still sleeping in a crib when he starts kindergarten.